Love Island Austin

Former Love Island USA contestant shares what it takes to land a spot on the series at Austin pop up

As if Austin isn't hot enough, things got even steamier on Saturday when "Love Island USA" popped up on Rainey Street. The Peacock reality dating series came to Austin looking for future contestants to appear on an upcoming season.

Fans were invited to record a video entering the villa, film an audition tape in person, and take fresh audition photos. There was also a bedroom photo op where anyone could snap a picture, as well as a meet and greet with former cast member Deb Chubb.

CultureMap spoke with Chubb about what it takes to land a coveted spot on the series:

"Be yourself, have a big personality ... stand out, don't be shy," the Dallas native said. "Make your bold statements like, 'I'm here because I'm the hottest b*tch in Austin!'"

Chubb also talked about the best part of the "Love Island" experience. "My favorite thing about being on the show probably was the friendships I made."

She went on to say that getting to meet people she never would have had the opportunity to meet was amazing.

$\u200bThe Love Island USA pop up on Rainey Street in Austin, Texas$

Photo via Dani Dudek, SpilltheATX.com

Deb Chubb from Love Island USA

While Chubb has visited Austin once before during college (she floated a nearby river and "did all the party stuff"), this was a short visit. She and her mom did, however, enjoy a dinner at Austin Proper Hotel's Peacock Restaurant.

Did the "Love Island USA" crew find any tantalizing Texans? We'll just have to wait and see! New episodes of Love Island USA are streaming now on Peacock Thursdays through Tuesdays at 8 pm CST.

Hot Headlines

Famous Austin tower sells for $522M in this week's hottest headlines

Rendering courtesy of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

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Editor's note: This week's top Austin news includes many exciting restaurant openings and holiday happenings aplenty. Plus, the famous "sailboat building" gets a new owner. Get the details on our hottest headlines of the week below. And for the best things to do in Austin this weekend, go here.

1. Austin's famous 'sail tower' sells for $522 million. An iconic piece of Austin’s skyline is getting a new owner. Cousins Properties announced it is acquiring the tower that's shaped like a sail in downtown Austin for more than $521.8 million. The property is leased to Google and was developed in 2022.

2. 8 openings in a month lead Austin's restaurant and bar news. Here's a rundown of eight exciting restaurants that have opened in the last month.

3. Former Food Network host debuts Round Rock bar with fancy comfort food. Former Food Network host John Green is heading to the Austin suburb with a new concept dedicated to "elevated bar fare." It's opening January 11, 2025.

Odds Bar & Bistro Round Rock French Toast Odds Bar & Bistro will serve very upscale "bar food." Photo courtesy of Odds Bar & Bistro

4. These 9 Austin restaurants will be open for Christmas Eve or Day 2024. If your ideal Christmas doesn't involve a whole lot of cooking, cleaning, or hosting, there are several Austin restaurants that are happy to do the work for you. In fact, not only are many restaurants staying open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but they're offering special menus and events, too.

5. Where to see the most dazzling Christmas lights in Austin and beyond. The magical holiday season is in full swing, and that means beautiful holiday lights displays. Here's a list of the best holiday light events and attractions happening in Austin and nearby.

google tower restaurant opening christmas lights christmas dining top stories